Error "Initializing iDRAC"

WilliamsMex,

What occurred when you tried to update the iDrac via the Lifecycle Controller using the firmimg.d7 file? It is looking like the iDrac may be corrupt, and as Dylan stated, you may need to replace the motherboard.

Let me know. 

Hi @DELL-Chris H 

After years I still have the problem, I  get off the internal case with fans becasue it was noisy, but with the same error and only press F1  to boot directly the Vmware hypervisor

Hello WilliamsMex,

Have you replaced the system board as recommended?

The iDRAC is not initializing. It is embedded to the system board. The DRAC monitor temperature and increases fan speed if necessary.  If the DRAC does not work then the system will default to fans running high to prevent overheating.

Were you able to get the DRAC firmware to apply using the .d7 file?

PowerEdge: iDRAC Recovery Procedure with firmimg.d7

https://dell.to/3XbEWHj

iDRAC with Lifecycle Controller v. 2.65.65.65

https://dell.to/3Iaamd5

File Format: An application

File Name: iDRAC_2.65.65.65_A00.exe

   Execute the file to extract the firmimg.d7  file and put on SD card.

Can you see the sticker on the system board that has the part number?

Please see attached image.

Hi @Dell -Charles R I'm going to do the steps, I will let you know the results

Hi @DELL-Charles R of course I have that image from motherboard 

I'm going to follow the procedure, can you tell me what software is it?

Another question sir, this vFLASH card is the same generic SD card? Because I have standard SD card bought or is special card DELL-

thanks for you response

Hi,

Thanks for the mainboard picture. 

Referring to the link, I'm providing a valid URL in case anyone else need it: https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-my/000120131/poweredge-idrac-recovery-procedure-with-firmimg-d7

You can refer to this URL for the firmimg.d7 file: https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-my/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=0ghf4&oscode=ws8r2&productcode=poweredge-t620. The file to download is iDRAC_2.65.65.65_A00.exe and abstract it to obtain the firmimg.d7. In case if the server does not respond to the file, it might be because of it's the latest and your server might be using an old version, hence try other versions. 

Usually I would recommend Dell vFlash, but you try generic SD first. Recommended using a lower capacity, eg: 16GB or 32GB. The SD must be formatted to FAT. 

Let me know if the iDRAC IP is pingable if the above method does not help the issue. 

@DELL-Joey C​ Hi there

I followed the instrucctions

I downloaded the exe and extract the file

I put it in the SDHC card

This is my SDHC card Phillips 4 4B class4

Nothing happened when I inserted the SD Card, another option about recovery iDRAC? or maybe the SD is wrong model o the file is not correct?

* I don't know the Ip address iDRAC because always use IP NIC when I acquired this server then I learnt about software iDRAC

*Another question, what is the function this file?

I appreciate your support in this case.

Regards

WilliamsMex,

Thank you for the details. Just to clarify, have you cleared the NVram on the server yet? If not then would you power down the server, remove the power cables, and hold the power button for 20 seconds, then remove the cover and locate the NCRAM_CLR jumper, shown below. Once located the move the jumper over and then restore the cables, and then power on the server. 

Complete the steps to clear the nvram and then power back down, remove cables and hold power down again. then restore the jumper to its original location, close the server, then reinstall the power cables but wait 2 minutes before powering the server up (allows time for idrac to initialize). 

As far as your question regarding the different firmware updates, the 1.66.65 version is a transition version, where everything after that version is now merged with the Lifecycle Controller update, where everything before that was an iDrac only update. So if your version is older than 1.66.65 then you would update up to 1.66.65, then start updating with the iDRAC with Lifecycle Controller versions. 

If this fails then you may need to look at replacing the motherboard. 

Let me know if this helps, and what you see. 

@DELL-Chris H ​ Hi there

I already did those steps before but I'll make it again maybe this time works.

This is actual image of iDRAC en F2 system information

About BIOS

I don't know the version iDRAC exactly.

  <Private data removed from public view. DELL-Admin>

Ok, thank you. After that, if the issue isn't resolved, will you try something for me?

Disconnect Right Control Panel.

Leave the System cover off and use rear ID LED as power switch to test.

If the iDRAC can POST without errors, and becomes available again you should replace the Right Control Panel.

@DELL-Chris H ​ Hi there

I did the steps, changed the jumper to this position

Initial

Final posicion only NVRAM jumper

Then I did next steps hold power button each time, only when connect power cable with jumper changed it powered up inmediately, I powered off it , wait 2 minutes, I powered on it, the same message issue dear.

*Before it display unsupport Dimm memory left side now it displays  all memory puted.

Thanks for you support and wait next steps.

Ok, do you have access to the BIOS currently? If so boot to the BIOS and then go to System Security - AC Power Recovery and set that to OFF. Once you do that then save and exit and then power back down, remove the power cables, and hold down the power button. Then install the power cables again and then wait the 2 minutes before powering up. 

If it still doesn't work then the last thing I can think of would be to replace the motherboard.

Let us know what you see.  

@DELL-Chris H ​ Hi there 

I don't see that option in security setting, are you sure is the correct setting?

-I did this, I have ESXI installed, I'll log ing console, shutdown the hypervisor normally.

-Next unplugged all

-Futhermore hold power off button 20 seconds

-After I connected all, and wait 2 minutes

-Finally power on

I get the same message error and fan started make noise

*SD card still inserted in server.

*I saw back server there is a led for iDRAC but always is power off never link, I remember before these problem arise, that little button link blue color.

It appear is dead iDRAC, another solutions dear?

I appreciate you support in this case

Regards

  <Private data removed from public view. DELL-Admin>

Hello, it seems like some of the data you provided got deleted by MOD before I got to see to protect your asset. Could you kindly DM us instead?

https://www.dell.com/community/en/direct-messaging

Respectfully,